SanDisk Cruzer Titanium U3

This is one of the few flash drives that have an all-metal case without an internal plastic carcass. The case of the Titanium U3 consists of two halves molded out of titanium-based alloy called Liquidmetal. According to the manufacturer, this alloy is as robust as pure titanium but can be processed much easier. In other words, you can’t break your Titanium U3 even if you step on it with your shoe – you’ll only scratch its case a little.

The U3 model has become smaller in comparison with the previous Titanium series and there have appeared shiny elements on its case that enliven the drive’s appearance. The USB connector slides in and out when you move the plastic piece in the middle of the drive. It’s easy to open and close the drive with one hand only.

The activity indicator is integrated into the Open/Close slider; it is blue and bright but not exceedingly bright as in the first version of the Titanium.

The drive comes with a neck strap and a clip to attach it to your shirt pocket, for example.

Dimensions: 57.9 x 21.0 x 9.1mm; weight: 21.7g.

Super Talent Pico-A

That’s another attempt to combine the compactness of super-slim plastic flash drives with the robustness of the larger models. In the Pico-A, the flash drive is hidden into a robust metallic case. Unfortunately, it is not protected when open but protrudes far, by more than 5 centimeters, out of the case – it can be broken accidentally with an awkward movement.

There is no activity indicator on the case. A short chain is included with the drive.

Dimensions: 38.5 x 12.7 x 4.3mm; weight: 5.1g.

Super Talent Pico-C

As opposed to most other flash drives of such a super-compact form-factor, the Pico-C has a metallic rather than plastic case. Unfortunately, besides obvious advantages, this solution has one drawback: it’s hard to insert the drive into a USB connector and it’s even harder – due to the sleekness of the case – to take it out of the connector. Still, if you need a very small flash drive, the Pico-C will be a good choice. There’s no activity indicator on it.

The drive comes with a small but useful chain – flash drives of such size are prone to get lost, and the chain will help prevent that.